Ben Jackson is an app developer and mobile strategy consultant living in Brooklyn, NY. He worked on iOS apps at the New York Times, and currently works on the Longform app. He loves technology and data reporting, and is a frequent contributor to BuzzFeed and other sites around the web.

For most creative professionals, this story is a familiar one: A client reaches out to you. They need a name, or a logo, or a website, or an app. Actually, they need it all together, and they need it all in a month — well, maybe a month and a half.

The initial meetings go well, and they get you a signed contract and a deposit ASAP. You’re ready to start, and your schedule is clear for the next six weeks. And then you get the call.

SmashingConf isn't the eighth wonder of the world, but we are pretty close. Join us at SmashingConf Oxford on March 16–19 or meet us at the shores of Santa Monica for SmashingConf LA on April 27–30. You won't be disappointed.